Advice for buying my first Camper - a 1988 T25

[ARAGORN]

Hi all
I've wanted to buy a VW Camper for yonks but thought that I'd wait a couple of years to build up some cash.
Of course, a Camper has turned up on the horizon. It's a 1988 T25 that has been sitting on the drive for a year. Owned by a friend of a friend. She wants rid of it and I could do with some help to work out the value of it.
Details:
1988 Transporter
2100 cc Petrol
78, 000 miles
NO MOT - sat on driveway for a year, but was used regularly before this.
2 berth - fixed high top
Gas cooker, fridge, full interior.

It belonged to her husband who sadly died last year.
I have no idea what to offer her for it but I don't have much money? Also does anyone know the MPG for this van? If anyone has any thoughts then I'd really appriciate them.
Hopefully this will lead to years of happy camping!

Thanks guys.

"Not all who wander are lost." Tolkien

[aaron0796]

You want to check underneath the van, check the bodywork-look for rust, if their is any be wary!

Any surface rust isnt to much to worry about, that can be gritblasted and
resprayed-like new!

What do you think of the interior? If its shoddy, getting a new interior fitted would cost you thousands proffesionaly! If you want to keep it, check that the fridge works, the cooker, check all gas connections are safe, if its been un-used for a while, it would probably be worth getting new gas hoses fitted to the cooker e.t.c, check the lining, make sure no damp is underneath, it can happen!

Check out classifieds e.t.c, compare prices e.t.c.

If you know anyone with mechanical skills, tke them along with you for backup.

Thats the best I can say really, hope thats any help
Cheers aaron

[Millie]

Proberbly too late for reply, not over experienced in vws as brought my first T25 this may. I think I am correct in saying the T25s dont tend to rust prone underneath as older transporters, but could well be wrong, mine is a '85 and certainly doesnt look that old underneath, looks as good as new, but worth looking close. I think T25s are prone to seam rust, mine has a little cosmetic seem rust, on the surface, but plan to sort before problematic. Also worth checking steps to cab end and under rubber mats at front, the steps at front can be prone to rust, especially if window seals have leaked or perished. I paid £3000 for b reg 1985 1.9 with auto gear box, with one or two very minor rusty seams that wont take much to sort. The inside is in very good condition, other than the gas heater doesn't work. (the previous owner removed the rear wardrobe, not a problem, more space but in doing so cut the wire from the small contol/thermastat rather than unwiring the thing...must rewire, but proberbly wont get round to it till june!)

I feel that paying 3000 for 1985 1.9, in average/good condition was a fair price, but would not pretend to know enough to even guess the value of the one you describe. I grt the impresion the price is more negotiable for T25s than older vws, but they are apparently becoming more collectable, therfore it may be the right time to buy a T25, before the prices follow thouse of bays and splits and go mad!

I have not worked out the mpg for mine, but find it not that economical, I am used to small cars 1400 and less! But this is not helped by the fact mine has an auto box. The MPG is now improving now my driving style has changed a little, they will not accelerate hard however hard I press the accelerator, once I got that in my dumb head, and learnt to relax and enjoy the pace, economy is better. I wouldnt use mine as an every day commuter to work and back (5 miles, 2 through town), the car is better at that, and the van would take at least half that time to warm up! Having said that the mpg is not fantastic, i think the 2.1 engine is probebly the better option, I would think a 1600 may struggle perfomance wise, saying that, I have too little experience to comment.

Go for it! I put off buying a vw for years, so glad I own one now, cant belive ive owned mine for over 6 mounths, defenatly no regrets, genrally T25s are tough as old boots, excelent fun to own and drive!

[carrera two bus]

around 22mpg for a 2.1 wbx engine,

[bumble]

That van sounds like a winner, I am also looking for one exactly like that (so let me know if you don't want it!!!???). I have done quite a bit of research into them but know very little but i will say that one guy i spoke to who is a member of owners club and repairs etc vans for a living says he has never come across one of these that needs welding underneath ment to be solid just watch for rust around arches etc - good luck............